Introduction

The Chinese Association for Science and Technology in Switzerland (CASTS) was founded in July 2004 in Bern Switzerland. CASTS is a non-political, non-profit professional, and well recognized organization among Chinese professionals in Switzerland. It is the leading institution dedicated to the promotion of understanding between Swiss and ethnic Chinese in Switzerland. CASTS aims at establishing ties with the scientific and technological communities both in Switzerland and in China.

Purpose

To promote academic exchanges and professional development of its members;

To serve as a “bridge” between Switzerland and China for both personnel and information exchanges, and for the cooperation in science and technology, economic, trade and other areas;

To promote friendships and communications among members and to enhance greater understanding of Chinese traditional culture in Switzerland.

Membership

The CASTS is comprised of Chinese students and scholars studying, working, or living in Switzerland. The majority of CASTS members hold advanced degrees in science and technology, education, business, law, medicine, art and other fields of endeavor, studying and working in universities, industries, government agencies and other sectors. The governing body of CASTS is the Executive Committee, which is elected at the General Assembly by CASTS members every 2 years in July.

Activities

To organize seminars and conferences in various professional areas and to organize exchange programs between the Swiss and Chinese people.

To establish cooperative relations with Swiss corporations, enterprises, institutions and organizations, to create favorable conditions and environment for cooperation between the Swiss and Chinese people in seeking funds, market development, technology transfer and investment opportunities between Switzerland and China.

To organize special activities for increased interaction among its members to facilitate exchanges of information and expertise in their fields.

Funds and Finance

Membership fee for CASTS is temporarily free.

CASTS welcomes and appreciates contributions and donations made by any individuals, business groups, and organizations.

CASTS encourages and appreciates volunteers to contribute a small amount of their time for most of CASTS organized events. Contributors and volunteers can contact the above listed CASTS executive committee members for coordination. Your participation and support to CASTS is the key to make CASTS a precious experience for you.

Website

CASTS website is a newsletter distributed to its members providing information and activities of common interest. CASTS discusses on website the common problems that CASTS members are concerned with, introduces outstanding Chinese professionals in Switzerland and reports state-of-the-art development of science and technology.

Other rules

CASTS does not bare any legal responsibility to its members.

Decisions made by CASTS executive committee and information related to CASTS events will be noticed to all CASTS members via email, and will be posted on the CASTS website.